How do ESPs influence your reputation?

ESPs influence your reputation through multiple channels:

Shared IP pools where your reputation is partially determined by neighbors' behavior. Good ESPs actively manage pool quality.

Authentication setup where ESP configuration determines whether SPF, DKIM, and DMARC pass correctly for your mail.

Compliance enforcement where ESPs monitor sending behavior and may suspend accounts that damage pool reputation.

Sending infrastructure including server configurations, retry logic, and throttling that affects how providers perceive your mail.

Relationships with ISPs where established ESPs may have preferred sender status that benefits all their customers.

Your ESP is like the shipping company operating your vessel. Their fleet reputation, maintenance standards, and port relationships all affect how your individual cargo is received.